The mayor's bold decision has sparked heated discussion and condemnation from New York's elite.
New York Mayor Zohra Mamdani, who is 34 years old, and his 28-year-old wife Rama Duvaji will not appear at the Met Gala 2026, scheduled for May 4. According to Page Six, their absence is due to the mayor's principled stance. Traditionally, New York mayors receive a coveted invitation from the Metropolitan Museum for this grand fashion event every year, and declining to attend is quite rare. However, Mamdani has decided to break this established tradition. "He won't come. His appearance would look strange — it contradicts his views," an insider shared, emphasizing that the mayor's presence at the ball "would be illogical."
Insiders claim that this decision is directly dictated by Mamdani's political beliefs. The mayor has previously stated that it is unacceptable for "society to exist by the rules of the billionaire world." At the same time, the Met Gala is partially sponsored by major businessmen, including Jeff Bezos, one of the main patrons of the evening. However, the mayor's radical position has sparked mixed reactions in society. Some members of New York's elite express the opinion that he should attend the event, as the Met Gala is an "important symbol of the city."
The situation becomes even more tense in light of recent statements by Anna Wintour, who effectively oversees the event's preparations. In a conversation with Meryl Streep for Vogue, she spoke warmly of Rama Duvaji, praising her impeccable style and expressing admiration for New York's First Lady. Now, according to several experts, such a demonstrative refusal of the invitation may deepen the divide between the city administration and the world of high fashion.
It is worth noting that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will also skip the Met Gala. However, their reason for absence is entirely different: the Duke and Duchess of Sussex simply did not receive an invitation to the grand event.
Reformist Mayor: Who is Zohra Mamdani?
Recall that Zohra Mamdani has made history as the youngest mayor of New York in the last hundred years and has also become the first Muslim to hold this high office. Running as a candidate from the Democratic Party, he won a convincing victory, garnering over 50% of the votes. Among his ambitious initiatives are significant tax increases for wealthy citizens, the opening of a network of municipal stores, and the introduction of free public transportation. He also advocates for affordable preschool education for all and increasing the minimum hourly wage from $16.50 to $30. His triumphant victory has sparked widespread public resonance and a stormy reaction: for example, Donald Trump publicly called Mamdani a "communist fanatic" and promised not to support his initiatives. Rama Duvaji, the mayor's wife, is known not only as a fashion enthusiast but also as a talented artist, illustrator, and ceramicist. In her works, she boldly raises themes of activism, ethics, and feminism, earning immense popularity and the unofficial title of "queen of the zoomers."
What is the Met Gala?
The Met Gala is an annual grand event that gathers global celebrities for one noble purpose: to raise funds for the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum in New York. This year's theme is "Costume Art." The ball will be dedicated to a deep exploration of the role of the human body in art throughout various eras, from ancient classical sculpture to cutting-edge trends in modern fashion.
